January 2nd 2025.
As we welcome a new year, the UK is once again facing harsh winter weather. Snow, floods, and cold weather health alerts have been issued, and while many of us can take refuge in our homes, rough sleepers will be feeling the brunt of the chill. The UK Health Security Agency has released an alert across England for a bitter cold snap at the start of 2025. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for most of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland for the upcoming days. Some areas in Scotland have already seen snow this year, adding to the challenges for rough sleepers.
In response to the severe weather, councils across the UK will be considering activating the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol. This protocol provides emergency accommodation for rough sleepers when temperatures drop in order to prevent deaths. However, what can we do as individuals if we come across a rough sleeper and are concerned for their well-being?
If you're in England or Wales, the best course of action is to contact Streetlink. This allows you to send an alert to a local outreach service, such as your local authority or a homeless charity like St Mungo's. They will then be able to locate the person and offer them support. Make sure to provide as much information as possible, including the exact location, a description of the person, and the time of day you saw them. If you need to make contact immediately, you can send a Streetlink alert via their website or call their helpline.
It's important to note that this advice only applies to adults. If the person appears to be under 18, it's best to contact the police instead. And in an emergency, always call 999 for immediate medical attention. You can also contact your local council to make a report or ensure that the person receives support. Many councils have a plan in place to help homeless people during severe weather.
If you want to contribute to long-term solutions for homelessness, there are other ways to help during the winter and throughout the year. Donating coats and blankets to charities like Wrap Up UK or your local homeless shelter is a great way to provide much-needed warmth. You can also offer warm drinks or food directly to rough sleepers, after speaking with them to ensure it's something they want or need. And if you have time to spare, consider volunteering with a homelessness charity.
Another way to make a difference is by donating to a charity, such as Crisis UK, Shelter, or Emmaus, that works towards ending homelessness. Additionally, subscribing to The Big Issue, a magazine that employs homeless individuals as vendors, is a great way to support those in need. The festive period can be an especially isolating time for homeless people, so any act of kindness, big or small, can make a significant impact.
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